Stowing of solar power devices

ABSTRACT

A method may include obtaining a normal set point of a solar panel and a wind velocity measurement corresponding to wind that affects the solar panel. The method may include determining an allowable range of tilt angles according to a first lookup table that describes a relationship between the wind velocity measurement and the allowable range of tilt angles. The method may include identifying whether the normal set point of the solar panel is outside of the allowable range of tilt angles, and responsive to identifying that the normal set point of the solar panel is outside of the allowable range of tilt angles, determining a temporary stow set point. The method may include rotating the solar panel to the temporary stow set point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/505,518, filed on Oct. 19, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 63/093,685, filed on Oct. 19, 2020; both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

THE FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to stowing of solar powerdevices, and in particular, stowing of solar power devices in responseto external forces, for example, those caused by wind.

BACKGROUND

Solar panels and solar arrays have been in use for years. Solar panelshave been placed on homes and businesses for localized generation ofelectricity. Additionally, large sites have been created where rows ofsolar panels are used for large-scale electricity generation. However,environmental forces, such as wind, act on the solar panels, which cancause damage or even catastrophic failure of the solar panels and theassociated mounting hardware and infrastructure.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrateone example technology area where some embodiments described herein maybe practiced.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include systemsand methods that act to manipulate the positioning of one or more solarpanels so as to prevent damage thereto in the presence of adverseconditions, such as wind.

In one example embodiment, a method includes obtaining weatherinformation, such as wind speed, from a suitable wind indicatorassociated with a solar installation or one or more solar panels. Themethod may include identifying whether the detected wind speed couldadversely affect one or more of the solar panels due to, for example, acurrent position of the panels with respect to current wind conditions.In response, the method may include re-positioning (or maintaining acurrent position if optimal) one or more of the solar panels so as toreduce forces thereon from the wind. For example, the method mayreposition one or more of the panels to be within a range of stow anglesthat have been determined to be optimal for the given wind condition(such as wind speed and direction).

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a systemthat may include one or more rows of solar panels. The solar panels maybe operatively connected to one or more actuators, sometimes referred toas “solar trackers.” The actuators may adjust an orientation of the oneor more rows of solar panels by, for example, rotating a torque tubethat is operatively attached to a row of panels. Rotation of the torquetube results in a change to the angular orientation of the solar panelsconnected to it. The system may include a programmable controller thatis configured to perform one or more operations related to the operationof the system. For example, operations may include obtaining currentweather information, such as wind speed and determining whether thedetected wind speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed for a givenorientation of the panels. If the wind speed is greater than apredetermined threshold value (thereby indicating potential damage tothe solar panels), the operations may include causing the actuator toreposition (such as by rotation of a torque tube) of the one or moresolar panels to be within an acceptable range of stow angles for thegiven wind condition.

Systems and methods of the current disclosure thereby provide theability to react to current weather conditions, such as wind, in amanner that reduces the potential for damage to the solar panels of agiven system.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general summary and thefollowing detailed description serve as examples and are explanatory andare not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments tofurther illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages,and features of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated thatthese drawings depict only example embodiments of the disclosure and arenot intended to limit its scope. The present disclosure will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for facilitating the stow of solarpanels;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example tracking algorithm that directsone or more operations of an intelligent stow system according to atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a first lookup table;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a second lookup table;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method of generating alookup table;

FIG. 6 illustrates another example system illustrating stow of variousrows of solar panels;

FIG. 7 illustrates various views of an example row of solar panelsprogressing through an example graded response in stowing the solarpanels;

FIG. 8 illustrates various views of an example row of solar panelsprogressing through multiple example remedial actions and an exampleconclusive action;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method 900 of stowing solar panelsaccording to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is an example computing system;

all in accordance with at least one embodiment described in the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may relate, amongother things, to the repositioning of solar panels. For example,re-orientation of one or more solar panels to an advantageous position(sometimes referred to as “stow” or “stowed” position) may be necessarydue to an adverse weather condition. For example, solar panels may berepositioned to prevent rain or snow from accumulating on the solarpanels. As another example, solar panels may be repositioned to reducedrag forces caused by wind flow acting on the solar panels. Manyexisting systems that utilize a stow operation have a binary optionwhere if a weather service or a wind sensor for a solar site senses acertain wind speed, the entire site is tilted to a predetermined stoworientation at a shallow angle (e.g., close to horizontal) to reduce thechance of damage due to wind forces. However, doing so may result in adecrease in production of solar energy, especially if the solar panelsare no longer optimally oriented towards the sun due to the shallow stowangle. Additionally or alternatively, stowing the solar panels at ashallow angle may reduce aerodynamic stability of the stowed solarpanels because formation of vortices along edges of the stowed solarpanels may cause the stowed solar panels to oscillate (a phenomena knownas “galloping”). Thus, the process of stowing solar panels in responseto strong winds often includes a tradeoff between reducing drag forcesand maintaining aerodynamic stability of the solar panels.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may overcome one ormore of these shortcomings by more accurately detecting conditions thatwarrant stowing (or repositioning) of solar panels and providing moreintelligent stow orientations for a given condition.

In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be disposed on a given rowor set of rows of panels that are operably connected to the same trackeractuator. The sensor(s) may be configured to monitor relevant forcesand/or displacement of the given row or set of rows of panels. Forexample, the sensor may include a strain gauge (or similar) thatmonitors the forces imposed on the given row by, for example, wind.Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor(s) may measure rotation of atorque tube to which the solar panels are coupled within a solartracking system. Alternatively or in addition, a sensor may measure acurrent velocity of the wind that is imposed on the solar panels.

In response to the conditions detected by the one or more sensors, aremedial action may be taken. For example, the given row of solar panelsmight be rotated a set number of degrees until a measured force (or windspeed, or any other relevant parameter) drops below a second threshold.Since conditions often vary even in the same solar site, in someembodiments, the remedial response may occur on a row-by-row basis orregion by region basis, rather than the entire site.

To assist in the description of example embodiments, words such as top,bottom, front, rear, right, and left may be used to describe theaccompanying figures. It will be appreciated that embodiments can bedisposed in other positions, used in a variety of situations, and mayperform a number of different functions. In addition, the drawings maybe to scale and may illustrate various configurations, arrangements,aspects, and features of the solar tracking systems. It will beappreciated, however, that the present disclosure may include othersuitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements depending, forexample, upon the intended use or scale of project. Further, the solartracking systems may include any suitable number or combination ofaspects, features and the like. A detailed description of some exampleembodiments now follows.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example solar tracking system that may facilitatethe stow of solar panels. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the system 100 mayinclude a programmable controller 110 in communication with one or moresensors 120 and an actuator 130. The actuator 130 may be incommunication with a row of solar panels 140 (or multiple rows of solarpanels), that are moveably supported by the tracking system via a torquetube 150 that is capable of rotating, and thereby rotating the solarpanels 140. The controller 110 may be configured to provide guidance tothe actuator 130 as to what orientation the solar panels 140 are to bepositioned by rotation of the torque tube 150. In these and otherembodiments, one or more controllers 110 may be located on-site anddirectly or indirectly coupled to the solar panels for which thecontrollers 110 control operations. Additionally or alternatively, thecontroller 110 may include a controller system located off-site (e.g.,at a remotely operated control center) such that the off-site controllersystem may receive information from the system of solar panels and sendone or more control signals to the system of solar panels based on thereceived information. During ordinary operations, the actuator 130 mayfacilitate tracking the location of the sun relative to the solar panels140 such that the solar panels 140 may be generally orientedsubstantially normal to the sun or substantially normal to the east-westportion of the irradiance of the sun, which may facilitate increasedelectrical energy generation. As described herein, in some embodiments,the system 100 may monitor the one or more sensors 120, and based ondetected conditions, the system 100 may take some remedial action. Forexample, the actuator 130 may move the solar panels to a position betterable to resist the drag forces caused by wind flow. As another example,a secondary feature such as damping or braking may be applied, againbased on the conditions detected by the sensor.

In some embodiments, the sensor(s) 120 may be disposed at any of avariety of locations to monitor the forces experienced by the solarpanels 140. For example, a sensor 120 may include a strain gaugedisposed within or along the edge of the frame 160 or mounting brackets170 for the solar panels 140. Although any suitable bracket might beused, one example of an exemplary mounting bracket implementation isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,281,778, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As another example,the sensor 120 may include a torque sensor associated with the torquetube 150 that is configured to detect forces imposed on the torque tube150 (e.g., due to wind forces imposed on solar panels connectedthereto). As a further example, the sensor 120 may include adisplacement or stroke monitor in conjunction with a damper 180 coupledto the solar panels 140. In these and other embodiments, the damper 180may be used for monitoring purposes and/or may be used to providedamping action to resist and/or mediate the forces applied to the solarpanels 140. Additionally or alternatively, the damper may be implementedas disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,771,007, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. As an additionalexample, the sensor 120 may include an accelerometer and/or a gyroscopealong the edge of the frame 160 or mounting brackets 170 for the solarpanels 140 to monitor a physical position, motion, and/or degree ofrotation relative to an expected physical position, motion, and/ordegree of rotation. As another example, the sensor 120 may include alaser or other light emitting device oriented along an edge of the solarpanels 140 and/or frames 160 thereof to detect movement, displacement,contortion, distortion, and/or variations along the surface. As anadditional example, the sensor 120 may include an inclinometer disposedalong an edge of the solar panels 140 and/or frames 160 thereof todetect an amount of incline experienced by the solar panels 140. Whilevarious examples of sensors 120 and/or their locations are identified,it will be appreciated that any sensor 120 at any location in the system100 that facilitates detecting a property related to and/or associatedwith the forces being applied to the solar panels 140 may be utilizedconsistent with the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the data of the sensor 120 may be monitored overtime. For example, the data of the sensor 120 may be compared to athreshold as an absolute value, to a threshold as a rate of change. Insome embodiments, the data of the sensor 120 may be compared as adifference from normal forces experienced throughout the day whenperforming solar tracking. For example, the sensor 120 may include astrain gauge disposed within the frame 160 of one or more of the solarpanels, within one or more of the mounting brackets 170 supporting thepanels and/or the torque tube 150 to monitor external forces. In theseand other embodiments, there may be some baseline amount of strain dueto gravity and/or torsional forces due to rotating the tracker to followthe sun. The difference in strain from typical values may facilitatedetermination of whether or not a remedial action is to be taken.

In some embodiments, the threshold for whether or not a remedial actionis to be taken may be based on a threshold value (e.g., a certain amountof strain as an absolute value may trigger a remedial action), athreshold value for a threshold duration of time (e.g., a certain amountof strain is experienced for a set duration of time), and/or a number oftimes the threshold value is crossed in a given period of time (e.g., acertain amount of strain is experienced at least a set number of timesin the given period of time). Any other similar force that may have anadverse effect on the system can also be monitored.

The remedial action may include any of a variety of actions to mitigatethe effects of the forces experienced by the solar panels 140. Forexample, the remedial action may include the actuator 130 rotating therow of solar panels 140 by some predetermined amount. Such a responsemay be beneficial at lower wind speeds where vortexes may be formingwhere changing the orientation may reduce or eliminate the vortexes. Asanother example, changing the orientation of the panels may shed theload under high wind conditions. In some embodiments, the remedialaction may include rotating the row of solar panels 140 a predeterminedset number of degrees or a set distance from its current location to aremedial orientation. For example, the row of solar panels 140 may berotated twenty degrees from its current location towards horizontal. Insome embodiments, the remedial action may include rotating the row ofsolar panels 140 until some predetermined condition is met. For example,if the data of the sensor 120 is monitored in real time, the solarpanels 140 may be rotated until the data of the sensor 120 drops below athreshold value.

In some embodiments, after rotating the solar panels 140, the system 100may wait a predetermined period of time in the remedial orientation, andthen may return the solar panels 140 to their normal tracked orientationtracking the position of the sun. In these and other embodiments, theorientation to which the solar panels 140 are returned may be differentfrom the orientation out of which they were initially rotated (e.g., dueto a tracking algorithm identifying a different orientation at the latertime in the day when the solar panels are returned to the trackingorientations).

In some embodiments, after rotating the solar panels 140, the system 100may remain in the remedial orientation until the data from a givensensor (or sensors) 120 drops below a threshold value. For example, thesystem 100 may hold the solar panels 140 in the remedial orientationuntil data from the sensor 120 indicates that the potentially damagingforces have subsided. After the data from the sensor 120 has droppedbelow the threshold value, the system 100 may return the solar panels140 to their normal tracked orientation tracking the position of thesun.

In some embodiments, after rotating the solar panels 140, the system 100may wait until the tracking algorithm catches up to the remedialorientation. After the orientations of the tracking algorithm reach theremedial orientation, the system 100 may continue to rotate the solarpanels 140 according to the tracking algorithm to track the sun.

In some embodiments, the remedial action may include invocation of asecondary system in addition to or separately from the rotation of therow of solar panels 140. For example, such secondary systems may includea brake system that may clamp or grip the solar panels 140 to hold themin a fixed position. As another example, the secondary systems mayinclude a damping system that may dampen the motion and/or forces of thesolar panels 140 to minimize any motion or displacement experienced bythe solar panels 140. In some embodiments, the sensor 120 may be part ofthe secondary system (such as a stroke sensor of the damping system).

In some embodiments, the remedial action may include a graded response.For example, if a first amount of force experienced exceeds a firstthreshold as indicated by data read from the sensor 120, the solarpanels 140 may be moved by the actuator 130 a first amount. If a secondamount of force is experienced that exceeds a second threshold higherthan the first threshold, the solar panels may be moved a second amountfurther than the first amount. As another example of a graded response,after a remedial response is triggered, the controller 110 may determinea response proportional to the readings from the sensor 120 (e.g., ifthe threshold is exceeded by 10%, the remedial response may be 10%greater such as rotating by 22° instead of) 20°.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a set number of stowpositions (e.g., horizontal, +/−5°, +/−15°, +/−30°, etc.) as part of theremedial response. For example, the system 100 may stow the solar panels140 to the closest stow position to the tracking algorithm orientationwhen a remedial response is triggered (e.g., if the tracking algorithmorientation is −40° and the remedial action is triggered, the solarpanels 140 may be rotated to)−30°. In these and other embodiments, ifthe remedial action trigger remains at the closest stow position, thesystem 100 may move to the next stow position (e.g., if the force isstill above the threshold when at −30°, the system 100 may rotate thesolar panels 140 to −15°, etc.).

In some embodiments, one or more of the stow positions may includeranges of stowing angles. In other words, a given stow position mayinclude a corresponding range of angles within which the solar panels140 may be rotated when operating under the remedial response. Forexample, a given remedial response may include limiting rotation of thesolar panels 140 to within a certain range of angles (such as +/−15°,+/−30°, etc.). In these and other embodiments, if the current angle dueto tracking is within the range, the remedial action may not disrupt thecurrent position of the solar panels 140 but may prevent the solarpanels 140 from following the tracking algorithm outside of the range.

Additionally or alternatively, the range of stowing angles permitted forthe solar panels 140 in various stow positions may depend on the windspeed. For example, a first range of given remedial response may includelimiting the rotation of the solar panels 140 to within a first rangefor a first wind speed threshold and may include further limiting therotation of the solar panels 140 to a narrower range for a second windspeed threshold higher than the first wind speed threshold. For example,for the first wind speed threshold (e.g., 35 mph winds) the range mayinclude +/−15° and for the second wind speed threshold (e.g., 45 mphwinds) the range may include +1-7°.

Additionally, or alternatively, the range of stowing angles permittedfor the solar panels 140 at a given period of time may depend on theangle of orientation of the solar panels 140 as determined by a trackingalgorithm. For example, a given system of solar panels 140 may beoriented at 30° during a first period of time (e.g., between 9 A.M. and10 A.M.). Responsive to the given system of solar panels 140experiencing wind exceeding a first wind speed threshold (e.g., 35 mphwinds), rotation of the solar panels 140 may be limited to within +/−10°of the 30° orientation as determined by the tracking algorithm. In otherwords, the solar panels 140 may rotate between 20° and 40° in thisexample. As another example, the given system of solar panels 140 mayexperience wind exceeding a second wind speed threshold (e.g., 45 mphwinds), which may limit rotation of the solar panels 140 within +/−5° ofthe 30° orientation as determined by the tracking algorithm.

In some embodiments, the graded response may include a conclusiveresponse. For example, after a severe force is experienced exceeding ahigh threshold, the system 100 may rotate the solar panels 140 to aconclusive stow position, such as horizontal, +/−5° from horizontal, orany other “safe” position. In these and other embodiments, such a stowposition may be maintained for an extended time out period, such as theremainder of the day.

In some embodiments, the conclusive response may be triggered by aremedial action being taken a set number of times in a day, or in agiven time window. For example, if a remedial action is triggered threetimes within a two-hour window, the conclusive response may be triggeredfor the remainder of the day. As another example, if a remedial actionis triggered four times within a given day, the conclusive response maybe triggered for the remainder of the day. In some embodiments, theconclusive response may be triggered in conjunction with a gradedremedial response. For example, if multiple stages of the gradedresponse are triggered in a first remedial action, the triggering of asecond remedial action later in the day may trigger the conclusiveresponse.

The actuator 130 may include any device, system, or component configuredto provide motion and/or change the orientation of the solar panels 140.For example, the actuator 130 may include an electric motor, a gas- ordiesel-powered motor, and the like.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the system 100without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example,the designations of different elements in the manner described is meantto help explain concepts described herein and is not limiting. Further,the system 100 may include any number of other elements or may beimplemented within other systems or contexts than those described. Forexample, the system 100 may include any number of rows of solar panels,sensors and/or controllers.

In some embodiments, analysis of the captured sensor data and taking acorresponding remedial action based on the analyzed sensor data mayfollow a tracking algorithm that is implemented, for example, asprogrammable steps and executed at controller 110. FIG. 2 is a flowdiagram of one example of a tracking algorithm 200 that directs one ormore operations of an intelligent stow system according to at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure. The tracking algorithm 200 mayinclude a normal tracking algorithm at block 210 (herein referred to as“the normal tracking algorithm 210” in short) that determines a normalset point of one or more solar panels. In some embodiments, the normalset point of the solar panels may be determined as a function of timesuch that the normal tracking algorithm 210 indicates the solar panelsshould be set at a predetermined angle (or within a predetermined rangeof angles) at a given point in time. In these and other embodiments, thenormal tracking algorithm 210 may be tailored to a given solar sitebased on sun coverage experienced by the solar site during a typicalday, sun uptime in the geographical location of the solar site, and/orany other “normal” condition settings.

Additionally, or alternatively, in the illustrated embodiment thetracking algorithm 200 may include inclinometer sensor data at block 220(herein referred to as “the inclinometer sensor data 220” in short) thatdescribes a tip angle of the solar panels and/or wind velocitymeasurements at block 225 (herein referred to as “the wind velocitymeasurements 225” in short). The inclinometer sensor data 220 may becaptured by an inclinometer, which may, for example, be positioned on atip of a solar tracker associated with one or more of the solar panels.The inclinometer may determine a tip angle of the solar panels to whichthe solar tracker is coupled. The wind velocity measurements 225 mayinclude information about a wind speed and a wind direction, forexample.

In some embodiments, the normal set point determined by the normaltracking algorithm 210, the tip angle described by the inclinometersensor data 220, and/or the wind velocity measurements 225 may bemanaged via a data log, denoted at block 230 (herein referred to as “thedata log 230” in short). The data log 230 may be used to collate and/orotherwise organize the obtained data such that a temporary stow setpoint may be determined according to the tracking algorithm 200 atblocks 250 and 255 and/or blocks 270-274.

At block 240, the tracking algorithm 200 may calculate a difference, D,between the tip angle described by the inclinometer sensor data 220 andthe normal set point determined by the normal tracking algorithm 210. Insome embodiments, the difference may be calculated as an absolute valuedifference between the tip angle and the normal set point such that thedifference describes a deviation from normal tracking behavior of thesolar panels as defined by the normal tracking algorithm 210.

The difference may be compared to a threshold value (labeled as Allow inblock 242 and block 244). Responsive to determining that the differenceis less than or equal to the threshold value (e.g., D≤Allow as labeledin block 242), the tracking algorithm 200 may proceed to block 260, andthe normal set point determined by the normal tracking algorithm 210 maybe maintained. In other words, the tracking algorithm 200 may determineat block 242 whether the tip angles of the solar panels have deviatedfrom normal tracking behavior relative to the normal set pointdetermined by the normal tracking algorithm 210. If the tip angles ofthe solar panels have not deviated from normal tracking behavior, thenthe tip angles may be maintained.

Responsive to determining that the difference is greater than thethreshold value (e.g., D>Allow as labeled in block 244), the trackingalgorithm 200 may proceed to block 250 where an allowable tilt anglerange may be determined based on a first lookup table (“Lookup Table 1”in block 250). In some embodiments, the first lookup table may includeinformation describing a relationship between two or more variables. Forexample, an example embodiment of a first lookup table excerpt 300illustrated in FIG. 3 indicates an effect of a wind speed in miles perhour and a wind direction relative to North on an allowable range oftilt angles for a given solar site. As illustrated in the first lookuptable excerpt 300, the allowable range of tilt angles is +/−52° whenthere is no wind, and as the wind speed increases, the allowable rangeof tilt angles decreases. Furthermore, assuming the solar panels of thesolar site are oriented in an East-West direction such that rotation ofthe solar panels tracks the westward movement of the sun, the allowablerange of tilt angles decreases as the wind direction becomes moreparallel to the orientation of the solar panels. Determining therelationship between the two or more variables included in the firstlookup table is described in further detail in relation to FIG. 5 .

At block 260, an optimal tilt angle change may be determined accordingto a second lookup table based on the allowable range of tilt anglesdetermined at block 250. For example, a second lookup table 400illustrated in FIG. 4 indicates a direction to change the tilt angle ofthe solar panels based on a current set point and the wind directionrelative to North. In other words, the second lookup table 400 maydetermine in which direction to change the tilt angle of the solarpanels to stow the solar panels within the allowable range of tiltangles determined at block 250.

At block 265, a tracker tilt angle of the solar panels may be changed tofall within the constraints of the allowable range of tilt angles. Insome embodiments, the tracker tilt angle may be determined according tothe first lookup table at block 250 and/or the second lookup table atblock 255. The tracker tilt angle may be obtained by the data log 230and used as a temporary stow set point for the solar panels. In theseand other embodiments, the data log 230 may send the temporary stow setpoint to a tracker drive control at block 290 (herein referred to as“the tracker drive control 290” in short).

Additionally or alternatively, the tracking algorithm 200 may proceed toblock 270 where the allowable range of tilt angles is determinedaccording to the first lookup table, and a temporary stow set point maybe determined at block 272 and block 274. In some embodiments, thetracking algorithm 200 may first perform computations according to theprocess beginning at block 240 to determine the temporary stow set pointat block 260 or block 265 and then verify the determined temporary stowset point based on the process beginning at block 270. Additionally oralternatively, the tracking algorithm 200 may perform the processbeginning at block 270 while omitting performance of the processbeginning at block 240 in situations where galloping and/or otheraerodynamic instability of the solar panels are not likely to bepresent. Additionally or alternatively, the process beginning at block270 may be omitted in situations where galloping and/or otheraerodynamic instability of the solar panels are likely to be present.

At block 272, whether a set point of the solar panels is within anallowable range based on a threshold value may be determined. In someembodiments, the set point of the solar panels may be compared to thethreshold value may be the normal set point determined by the normaltracking algorithm 210. Additionally or alternatively, the set point ofthe solar panels at block 272 may be the temporary stow set pointdetermined at block 265. Responsive to determining that the set point iswithin the allowable range, the set point of the solar panels may bemaintained at block 280.

Additionally or alternatively, whether the set point is outside of theallowable range may be determined at block 274. Responsive todetermining that the set point is outside of the allowable range of tiltangles, an angle of rotation facilitated by the tracker of the solarpanels may be calculated such that the tilt angle of the solar panelsmoves within the allowable range at block 285. In some embodiments, thetilt angle to which the solar panels are configured to move at block 285may be considered the temporary stow set point that is sent to the datalog. In some embodiments, the data log 230 may send the temporary stowset point to the tracker drive control 290 to affect rotation of thesolar panels according to the temporary stow set point.

In some embodiments, the tracking algorithm 200 may be invoked todetermine whether and how the solar panels should be stowed at timedintervals (e.g., every minute, every five minutes, every fifteenminutes, every hour, or any appropriate interval) to adjust the tipangle in response to changes in wind flow. Additionally oralternatively, the tracking algorithm 200 may be invoked in response tochanges in the normal set point of the solar panels as determined by thenormal tracking algorithm 210. Additionally or alternatively, thetracking algorithm 200 may be invoked responsive to changes in the windvelocity measurements 225.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the trackingalgorithm 200 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Forexample, the designations of different elements in the manner describedis meant to help explain concepts described herein and is not limiting.Further, the tracking algorithm 200 may include any number of otherelements or may be implemented within other systems or contexts thanthose described.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method 500 of generating a lookuptable, such as the first lookup table corresponding to the first lookuptable excerpt 300 of FIG. 3 and/or the second lookup table 400 of FIG. 4. The method 500 may be performed by any suitable system, apparatus, ordevice. For example, the controller 110 and/or the actuator 130 mayperform one or more operations associated with the method 500.Additionally or alternatively, a computing system, such as computingsystem 1000 as described in relation to FIG. 10 , may perform one ormore of the operations associated with the method 500. Althoughillustrated with discrete blocks, the steps and operations associatedwith one or more of the blocks of the method 500 may be divided intoadditional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, dependingon the particular implementation.

The method 500 may begin at block 510 where directional dragcoefficients of solar panels included in a solar site are determinedaccording to wind tunnel tests. In some embodiments, the wind tunneltests may include placing a mock solar site in a wind tunnel anddetermining the drag force experienced by the solar panels of the mocksolar site at various wind velocities to calculate the directional dragcoefficients of the solar panels and/or of the mock solar site.

Additionally or alternatively, the directional drag coefficients of thesolar panels and/or of the mock solar site may be determined by anyother methods. For example, the directional drag coefficients may bedetermined based on software that may simulate wind effects and dragforce on modeled solar panels. As another example, software configuredto model computational fluid dynamics may be used to analyticallydetermine the effects of wind flow on one or more given solar panels. Inthese and other embodiments, more than one method may be used todetermine the directional drag coefficients. For example, thedirectional drag coefficients may be independently determined accordingto the wind tunnel tests and computational fluid dynamics such that thedirectional drag coefficients determined via one process may be used tocorroborate the directional drag coefficients determined via the otherprocess.

At block 520, one or more drag loads (corresponding to the drag forcesthat affect the solar panels) may be determined. In some embodiments,the drag loads may be calculated according to any applicable design codeand based on the directional drag coefficients determined at block 510.The applicable design code relating to a given solar site may bedetermined according to building standards for structural loadrequirements set by an international, national, regional, or localadministration related to the given solar site. For example, a solarsite being built in the United States of America may adhere to rulesgoverning structural resistance to wind set in Minimum Design Loads andAssociated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE/SEI 7-16),while the same solar site being built in Australia may adhere to rulesset in AS/NZS 1170.2. In these and other embodiments, the directionaldrag coefficients may represent constant values and/or scalingcoefficients for input values that facilitate computation of the dragloads affecting the solar panels according to the applicable designcode.

At block 530, drag loads on tracker components may be determined. Insome embodiments, the directional drag coefficients determined at block510 may be applied to the applicable design code used at block 520 tocalculate the drag loads to determine the drag loads on the trackercomponents.

At block 540, structures of the tracker components may be modeled. Insome embodiments, modeling the structures of the tracker components maybe facilitated by any modeling methods. For example, finite elementanalysis (FEA) may be implemented to divide a given tracker componentinto multiple pieces; the structures of each of the pieces may beanalyzed, and the piecewise structures may be summed to determine thestructure of the given tracker component. As another example, multi-bodydynamics (MBD) may be implemented to determine the structure of thetracker components using a more holistic analytical approach relative toFEA.

Additionally or alternatively, any closed-form structural analysis maybe performed to model the structures of the tracker components. In someembodiments, known beam stress, deflection, and/or material strainequations (e.g., equations promulgated by the American Institute ofSteel Construction or equations published in Roark Formulas for Stressand Strain) may be used to analytically and mathematically model thestructures of the tracker components.

At block 550, stress on the tracker components and/or the solar panelsmay be calculated. In some embodiments, the stress on the trackercomponents may correlate to the drag loads experienced by the trackercomponents. As such, the stress on the tracker components may bemathematically computed based on the drag loads.

At block 560, the allowable range of tilt angles at differentcombinations of wind speed and wind direction may be determined. In someembodiments, a maximum stress threshold for the solar panels and/or thetracker components may be set (e.g., by a human user). The allowablerange of tilt angles may be determined based on the maximum stressthreshold such that bounds of the allowable range of tilt anglescorrespond to the maximum stress threshold. For example, the bounds ofthe allowable range of tilt angles may be set such that the stressexperienced by the solar panels and/or the tracker components at a givencombination of wind speed, wind direction, and tip angle corresponds tothe maximum stress threshold value. As such a given allowable range oftilt angles may be set for each combination of wind speed and winddirection for a given maximum stress threshold.

At block 570, the lookup table may be generated. In some embodiments,the wind speed and/or the wind direction may be set as row headingsand/or column headings of the lookup table, and corresponding allowableranges of tilt angles may populate each cell of the lookup table asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In these and other embodiments, the allowableranges of tilt angles may represent a maximum tolerable drag force onthe solar panels and/or the tracker components because the allowableranges of tilt angles computed for each cell of the lookup table isassociated with the stress experienced by the solar panels and/or thetracker components in which the stress is computed based on a drag forceanalysis of the solar panels.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the method 500without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, thedesignations of different elements in the manner described is meant tohelp explain concepts described herein and is not limiting. Further, themethod 500 may include any number of other elements or may beimplemented within other systems or contexts than those described.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example system 600 illustrating stow ofvarious rows of solar panels 610, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the system 600 mayillustrate the rows 610 (including the rows 610 a-610 e) stowed atdifferent orientations and/or stowed and following a tracking algorithm(e.g., the tracking algorithm 200 described in relation to FIG. 2 ).Each of the rows 610 may include a corresponding sensor 620 (such as therows 610 a-610 e including the sensors 620 a-620 e, respectively).

By way of example, the first and second rows 610 a and 610 b mayexperience less wind and consequently less drag forces than the otherrows as indicated by the sensors 620 a and 620 b, and so may follow atracking algorithm to remain in an orientation generally normal to thesun or normal to the east-west portion of the irradiance of the sun. Forexample, the first and second rows 610 a and 610 b may include adifferent normal tracking algorithm from the normal tracking algorithm210, which may be used to control normal tracking of the other rows(e.g., rows 610 c-610 e). Such an orientation may result in a profilecloser to vertical than the other rows 610 c-610 e as illustrated inFIG. 6 .

The third row 610 c may experience a first amount of drag force and maytransition to a first stowed orientation that is a shallower angle thanthe orientation of the first and second rows 610 a and 610 b. Forexample, after a first threshold is exceeded as monitored by the sensor620 c, a remedial action may be undertaken to rotate the third row 610 cuntil the data measured by the sensor drops below the threshold.

The fourth row 610 d may experience a second amount of drag force andmay transition to a second stowed orientation that is a shallower anglethan the third row 610 c. For example, after a second threshold isexceeded as monitored by the sensor 620 d, a remedial action may beundertaken to rotate the fourth row 610 d a set number of degreestowards horizontal from its current orientation.

The fifth row 610 e may experience approximately the same first amountof drag force and may transition to a third stowed orientation that is ashallower angle than the fourth row 610 d. For example, after the firstthreshold is exceeded as monitored by the sensor 620 e, a remedialaction may be undertaken to rotate the fifth row 610 e until the datameasured by the sensor 620 e drops below the threshold, which may befurther for the fifth row 610 e than for the third row 610 c.

By providing row by row control of the remedial actions, the entiresystem 600 may be able to operate in a more efficient manner. Forexample, the first and second rows 610 a and 610 b may not beexperiencing the same forces as the rows 610 c-610 e and so may remainin the orientation that maximizes production.

In some embodiments, the system 600 may provide panel-by-panel controlof the remedial actions. For example, the first row 610 a may includefive solar panels positioned adjacent to one another to form the firstrow 610 a. The orientations of the first solar panel, the second solarpanel, the third solar panel, the fourth solar panel, and/or the fifthsolar panel may be controlled individually for the remedial actions.Panel-by-panel control of the remedial actions for a given row of solarpanels may facilitate making more efficient remedial responses to forcesexperienced by the entire system 600. For example, stow angles ofindividual solar panels of a given row may be decreased graduallytowards the middle of the given row such that solar panels on outerpositions of the given row are stowed at end-panel stow positions thathave the highest stow angles (e.g., steepest orientations) while thesolar panels on inner positions of the given row are stowed at shallowerstow angles than the end-panel stow positions. These and other remedialactions may facilitate shielding of the solar panels included on theinner positions from environmental effects and/or forces by the solarpanels included on the outer positions stowed at the higher stow angles.While the example of individual panels is utilized, it will beappreciated that any number of panels or other portions less than anentire row being separately controlled is also contemplated.

While FIG. 6 has been described with reference to individual rows, itwill be appreciated that groups of rows may be treated similarly withthe same or a similar effect. For example, if the rows 610 a and 610 bwere controlled by the same actuator, the rows 610 a and 610 b may betreated as a single unit. As another example, half of the row 620 c maybe treated as one independently controlled unit with the other half ofthe row 620 c being treated independently, each half with its ownactuator and/or controller to facilitate control of the unit.Additionally, the rows 610 illustrated in FIG. 6 may be spaced furtherapart and/or sized differently and are illustrated merely for thepurposes of illustrating the underlying principle.

In some embodiments, a site-wide stow response may be coordinated. Forexample, a peripheral row (or rows) of solar panels 610 a (and/or 610 b)may be stowed at a steep angle, despite the wind forces, such that theinternal rows (e.g., the rows 610 c-610 e) may be shielded from thewind. The peripheral rows 610 a may be built with more robust componentsand/or increased damping capabilities to better withstand higher dragforces and/or aerodynamic instability (e.g., galloping or wobbling).Such a configuration may permit the majority of rows (e.g., the internalrows) to continue to largely follow the tracking algorithm while beingshielded by the peripheral rows. As another example, the peripheral rowsmay experience the brunt of drag forces and so may tilt to a shallowerstow angle (or range of angles) where the brunt of the drag force isexperienced, and the internal rows may be able to more broadly followthe tracking algorithm (e.g., the stow range of angles for the internalrows may be a broader range of permitted angles compared to theperipheral rows). In these and other embodiments, individual sensors onindividual rows may facilitate monitoring and/or providing an intra-sitecustomized and variable response to wind forces.

FIG. 7 illustrates example views 700 of an example row of solar panels440 progressing through an example graded response in stowing the solarpanels 440, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the solar panels 740 a may initially be at anorientation of 45° from horizontal based on a tracking algorithm. Thesolar panels 740 a may experience forces that, as monitored by a sensor,exceed a threshold. Based on exceeding the threshold a remedial actionmay be taken. For example, the solar panels 740 a may take remedialactions according to the tracking algorithm 200 described in relation toFIG. 2 .

As illustrated in the second orientation of the solar panels 740 b, theremedial action may rotate the solar panels 20° towards horizontal(e.g., from 45° to 25°). After rotating the solar panels 740 b to theorientation of 25°, the solar panels 740 b may continue to experienceforces that, as monitored by the sensor, exceed the threshold. Based onthe continued exceeding of the threshold, a second level of remedialaction may be taken. For example, the solar panels 740 b may experiencevarying wind velocities such that the tracking algorithm 200 frequentlyupdates the stow position of the solar panels 740 b.

As illustrated in the third orientation of the solar panels 740 c, thesecond level of remedial action may rotate the solar panels anadditional 30° towards horizontal. As the additional 30° would exceedhorizontal, in some embodiments the solar panels 740 b may be orientedin a horizontal position. In these and other embodiments, the forcesexperienced by the solar panels 740 c may continue to be monitored bythe sensor and may be returned to the tracking algorithm based on aduration of time or decrease in force experienced.

FIG. 8 illustrates example views 800 of an example row of solar panels840 progressing through multiple example remedial actions and an exampleconclusive action, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the solar panels 840 a may initially be at anorientation of 45° from horizontal based on a tracking algorithm. Thesolar panels 840 a may experience forces that, as monitored by a sensor,exceed a threshold. Based on exceeding the threshold a remedial actionmay be taken.

As illustrated in the second orientation of the solar panels 840 b, theremedial action may rotate the solar panels 20° towards horizontal(e.g., from 45° to 25°). After rotating the solar panels 840 b to theorientation of 25°, the solar panels 840 b may cease to experience dragforces beyond the threshold for a set period of time, as monitored bythe sensor. Based on the decrease in drag forces, the solar panels 840 bmay be returned to the tracking orientation.

As illustrated in the third orientation of the solar panels 840 c, thesolar panels 840 c may be returned to a normal set point according to anormal tracking algorithm. Because it is a later time in the day, thenormal set point may be 40° in the third orientation while it was 45° inthe first orientation.

While in the third orientation, the solar panels 840 c may experienceforces that, as monitored by the sensor, exceed the threshold. Based onexceeding the threshold a remedial action may be taken.

As illustrated in the fourth orientation of the solar panels 840 d, theremedial action may rotate the solar panels 20° towards horizontal(e.g., from 40° to 20°). After rotating the solar panels 840 d to theorientation of 20°, the solar panels 840 d may cease to experience dragforces beyond the threshold for a set period of time, as monitored bythe sensor. Based on the decrease in drag forces, the solar panels 840 dmay be returned to the tracking orientation.

As illustrated in the fifth orientation of the solar panels 840 e, thesolar panels 840 e may be returned to a normal set point according to anormal tracking algorithm. Because it is a later time in the day, thenormal set point may be 35° in the fifth orientation while it was 45° inthe first orientation and 40° in the third orientation.

While in the fifth orientation, the solar panels 840 e may experienceforces that, as monitored by the sensor, exceed the threshold. Based onexceeding the threshold for a third time within a given period of time(e.g., a single day, a four-hour window, etc.) a conclusive action maybe taken.

As illustrated in the sixth orientation of the solar panels 840 f, theconclusive action may rotate the solar panels to a generally horizontalposition. After rotating the solar panels 840 f to the generallyhorizontal position, the solar panels 840 f may be held in thatorientation for the remainder of the day, for an extended period of time(e.g., four hours, six hours, etc.), or until some other metric orcondition is met (e.g., a site wind sensor and the row-specific forcesensor include readings below a given threshold).

While some embodiments of the present disclosure are described withreference to data monitored by a sensor, it will be appreciated that anycombination of multiple factors may contribute to a determination that aremedial action (including a conclusive action) may be undertaken, orthat a row of solar panels may be returned to tracking algorithmorientations. For example, a combination of a localized or site windspeed sensor and a strain gauge or displacement gauge for a specific rowmay be used for such determinations. As another example, a precipitationsensor or a severe-weather warning from a news source or weather servicemay be used in combination with accelerometers or inclinometers on therows of solar panels.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method 900 of stowing solar panelsaccording to the present disclosure. The method 900 may be performed byany suitable system, apparatus, or device. For example, the controller110 and/or the actuator 130 may perform one or more operationsassociated with the method 900. Although illustrated with discreteblocks, the steps and operations associated with one or more of theblocks of the method 900 may be divided into additional blocks, combinedinto fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the particularimplementation.

The method 900 may begin at block 910, where weather informationincluding a wind indicator of wind speed greater than a threshold valuemay be obtained by a system of solar panels (e.g., by a processor, acontroller, and/or any other component of the system of solar panels).In some embodiments, the weather information may be collected by sensorsincluded in the system of solar panels. For example, one or more of thesolar panels may include strain gauges for measuring forces experiencedby the solar panels, inclinometers, torque sensors, displacement and/orstroke monitors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, motion-detection lasers,anemometers, thermal sensors, barometers, and/or any other types ofsensors that may capture information from the environment in which thesystem of solar panels is operating for weather information and/orinformation regarding operations of the solar panels. Additionally oralternatively, the system of solar panels may be communicatively coupledto one or more weather forecasting services such that the weatherinformation may be obtained based on weather forecasts and/orinformation from such weather forecasting services.

At block 920, whether the wind associated with the wind indicator ispredicted to affect the system of solar panels may be identified.Identifying whether the wind associated with the wind indicator willaffect the system of solar panels may include predicting whether thewind will affect a geographic region in which the system of solar panelsis located. For example, the wind associated with the wind indicator maynot affect the system of solar panels if the weather informationindicates the wind will pass by a region near, but not directly over,the system of solar panels. Additionally or alternatively, identifyingwhether the wind associated with the wind indicator will affect thesystem of solar panels may include determining the timing with which thewind affects the system of solar panels. For example, the weatherinformation may indicate the wind will affect the system of solar panelsat midnight. However, the solar panels may already be rotated to stowpositions at that time such that remedial actions responsive to the windwould be unneeded.

At block 930, the rotation of one or more solar panels of the system ofsolar panels may be limited to within a first or a second range of stowangles responsive to identifying that the wind is predicted to affectthe system of solar panels and that the wind speed is greater than thethreshold wind speed value. In some embodiments, the rotation of thesolar panels may be limited to the first range of stow angles responsiveto determining that the wind speed is greater than a first thresholdvalue, while the rotation of the solar panels may be limited to thesecond range of stow angles responsive to determining that the windspeed is greater than a second threshold value (e.g., a higher windspeed value resulting in a narrower range of stow angles for the secondrange). In some embodiments, the first range of stow angles may be boundby a first stowing angle and a second stowing angle, and the secondrange of stow angles may be bound by a third stowing angle and a fourthstowing angle. In these and other embodiments, the third stowing angleand/or the fourth stowing angle may include stowing angles that arebetween the first stowing angle and the second stowing angle (e.g., ifthe second threshold is a higher wind speed than the first threshold).Additionally or alternatively, the third stowing angle and/or the fourthstowing angle may include stowing angles that are not between the firststowing angle and the second stowing angle (e.g., if the secondthreshold is a lower wind speed than the first threshold). Additionallyor alternatively, there may be some overlap between the first range ofstow angles and the second range of stow angles. In these and otherembodiments, an allowable range of tilt angles may be determinedaccording to a tracking algorithm, such as the tracking algorithm 200described in relation to FIG. 2 , by considering a normal set point ofthe solar panels, a tip angle of the solar panels, and the windvelocity.

At block 940, updated weather information may be obtained. In someembodiments, the updated weather information may be obtained in the sameor a similar way as the weather information obtained at block 910.Additionally or alternatively, whether the updated weather informationaffects the solar panels may be determined (e.g., in the same or asimilar way as described at block 920).

At block 950, responsive to determining that the wind speeds fall belowthe threshold value, rotation of the solar panels may be permitted tooperate within a full range of angles of orientation. In someembodiments, the solar panels may be rotated to an angle of orientationaccording to a tracking algorithm such that the system of solar panelsmay “resume” ordinary operations (e.g., operations relating to solartracking without any high winds according to the normal trackingalgorithm 210).

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the solar panels may berotated to a fixed stow position responsive to making one or moredeterminations regarding operations of the system of solar panels atblock 960. The fixed stow position may include an angle of orientationand/or a range of stowing angles at which the solar panels are mostresistant to adverse weather conditions. In these and other embodiments,the angle of orientation and/or the range of stowing anglescorresponding to the fixed stow position may or may not consider theenergy-generating potential of the solar panels while in the fixed stowposition because resisting adverse weather conditions (e.g., high winds)may be considered a more important consideration in situations in whichthe solar panels are stowed in the fixed stow position.

In some embodiments, the determinations resulting in rotation of thesolar panels to the fixed stow position may include determining that therotation of the solar panels has been previously limited at least athreshold number of times within a given period of time (e.g., thesystem has responded to an adverse weather event three times previouslyduring a single day). Additionally or alternatively, the determinationsresulting in rotation of the solar panels to the fixed stow position mayinclude identifying a wind indicator that may be designated as a severewind condition (e.g., the weather service has issued a wind weatheradvisory warning).

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the method 900without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, thedesignations of different elements in the manner described is meant tohelp explain concepts described herein and is not limiting. Further, themethod 900 may include any number of other elements or may beimplemented within other systems or contexts than those described.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example computing system 1000, according to atleast one embodiment described in the present disclosure. The computingsystem 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory 1020, a data storage1030, and/or a communication unit 1040, which all may be communicativelycoupled. Portions of the system of FIG. 1 may be implemented as acomputing system consistent with the computing system 1000, includingthe controller 110, the sensors 120, and/or the actuator 130.

Generally, the processor 1010 may include any suitable special-purposeor general-purpose computer, computing entity, or processing deviceincluding various computer hardware or software modules and may beconfigured to execute instructions stored on any applicablecomputer-readable storage media. For example, the processor 1010 mayinclude a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor(DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), aField-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any other digital or analogcircuitry configured to interpret and/or to execute program instructionsand/or to process data.

Although illustrated as a single processor in FIG. 10 , it is understoodthat the processor 1010 may include any number of processors distributedacross any number of network or physical locations that are configuredto perform individually or collectively any number of operationsdescribed in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the processor1010 may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or processdata stored in the memory 1020, the data storage 1030, or the memory1020 and the data storage 1030. In some embodiments, the processor 1010may fetch program instructions from the data storage 1030 and load theprogram instructions into the memory 1020.

After the program instructions are loaded into the memory 1020, theprocessor 1010 may execute the program instructions, such asinstructions to cause the system 1000 to perform the operations of themethod 900 of FIG. 9 and/or the operations of the tracking algorithm 200of FIG. 2 . For example, in response to execution of the instructions bythe processor 1010, the system 1000 may obtain weather informationincluding a wind indicator, identify whether the wind associated withthe wind indicator is predicted to affect a system of solar panels,limit rotation of one or more solar panels of the system of solar panelsto be within a first range of stow angles (or a second range of stowangles), obtain updated weather information, rotate one or more of thesolar panels to a position based on a tracking algorithm, and/or rotateone or more of the solar panels to a fixed stow position.

The memory 1020 and the data storage 1030 may include computer-readablestorage media or one or more computer-readable storage mediums forhaving computer-executable instructions or data structures storedthereon. Such computer-readable storage media may be any available mediathat may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer,such as the processor 1010. For example, the memory 1020 and/or the datastorage 1030 may store the weather information, the wind indicator, thenormal set point, the tip angle, and/or any computational results of thetracking algorithm. In some embodiments, the computing system 1300 mayor may not include either of the memory 1020 and the data storage 1030.

By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storagemedia may include non-transitory computer-readable storage mediaincluding Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM),Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), CompactDisc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magneticdisk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices(e.g., solid state memory devices), or any other storage medium whichmay be used to store desired program code in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions or data structures and which may beaccessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinationsof the above may also be included within the scope of computer-readablestorage media. Computer-executable instructions may include, forexample, instructions and data configured to cause the processor 1010 toperform a certain operation or group of operations.

The communication unit 1040 may include any component, device, system,or combination thereof that is configured to transmit or receiveinformation over a network. In some embodiments, the communication unit1040 may communicate with other devices at other locations, the samelocation, or even other components within the same system. For example,the communication unit 1040 may include a modem, a network card(wireless or wired), an optical communication device, an infraredcommunication device, a wireless communication device (such as anantenna), and/or chipset (such as a Bluetooth device, an 802.6 device(e.g., Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)), a WiFi device, a WiMax device,cellular communication facilities, or others), and/or the like. Thecommunication unit 1340 may permit data to be exchanged with a networkand/or any other devices or systems described in the present disclosure.For example, the communication unit 1040 may allow the system 1000 tocommunicate with other systems, such as computing devices and/or othernetworks.

One skilled in the art, after reviewing this disclosure, may recognizethat modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the system1000 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Forexample, the system 1000 may include more or fewer components than thoseexplicitly illustrated and described.

The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosureto the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, itis contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modificationsto the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or impliedherein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus describedembodiments of the present disclosure, it may be recognized that changesmay be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by theclaims.

In some embodiments, the different components, modules, engines, andservices described herein may be implemented as objects or processesthat execute on a computing system (e.g., as separate threads). Whilesome of the systems and processes described herein are generallydescribed as being implemented in a specific controller, implementationin software (stored on and/or executed by general purpose hardware) arealso possible and contemplated.

Terms used herein and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies ofthe appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., theterm “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limitedto,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” theterm “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limitedto”).

Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation isintended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and inthe absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may containusage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should notbe construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitationis explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that suchrecitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” isused, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, orA, B, and C together. For example, the use of the term “and/or” isintended to be construed in this manner.

Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or morealternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings,should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including oneof the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, thephrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A”or “B” or “A and B.”

However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply thatthe introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or“an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claimrecitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even whenthe same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “atleast one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or“an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); thesame holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claimrecitations.

Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. arenot necessarily used herein to connote a specific order. Generally, theterms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish betweendifferent elements. Absence a showing of a specific that the terms“first,” “second,” “third,” etc. connote a specific order, these termsshould not be understood to connote a specific order.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention andthe concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art and areto be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosurehave been described in detail, it should be understood that variouschanges, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: obtaining a wind velocitymeasurement and a wind direction associated with one or more solarpanels; determining an allowable range of tilt angles for the one ormore solar panel corresponding to the wind velocity measurement;identifying whether a normal set point of the one or more solar panelsis outside of the allowable range; if the normal set point is outside ofthe allowable range, determining a temporary stow point, wherein adirection for rotating the one or more solar panels to reach thetemporary stow set point is determined based on the normal set point andthe wind direction; and rotating the one or more solar panels to thetemporary stow set point in a rotation direction that is based on thenormal set point and the wind direction.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein determining the allowable range of tilt angles furthercomprises: determining a tip angle of the one or more solar panels; andif the difference between the normal set point and the determined tipangle is greater than the threshold value, determining the allowablerange of tilt angles via a first lookup table.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein determining the temporary stow set point further comprisesdetermining an optimal tilt angle change based on a second lookup table.4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first lookup table comprises oneor more tilt angles that are each based on a corresponding wind speedand a wind direction.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein each of the tiltangles direction is determined using a drag load analysis, the drag loadanalysis comprising: determining one or more directional dragcoefficients for the one or more solar panels, each of the one or moredirectional drag coefficients corresponding to a given wind speed and agiven wind direction; calculating one or more drag loads associated witheach of the one or more directional drag coefficients; determining adrag load that affects a tracker component coupled to the one or moresolar panels; modeling a structure of the tracker component based on thedetermined drag load affecting the tracker component; calculating stresson the tracker component according to the modeled tracker componentstructure; setting a stress threshold value; and identifying anallowable range of tilt angles based on the stress threshold value forthe corresponding wind speed and the corresponding wind direction. 6.The method of claim 6, wherein the directional drag coefficients of theone or more solar panels are determined using at least one of: windtunnel simulations or computational fluid dynamics.
 7. A method,comprising: forecasting a wind speed; if the wind is speed is greaterthan a threshold associated with one or more solar panels, limitingrotation of the one or more solar panels to be within a range of stowangles between a first stow angle and a second stow angle according to:a first lookup table that describes a relationship between a windvelocity measurement and a stow angle within the range of stow angles;and a second lookup table that describes a direction for rotating theone or more solar panels based on a normal set point and a winddirection.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the forecasted wind speedis obtained from a weather forecasting service.
 9. The method of claim7, further comprising rotating the one or more solar panels to a fixedstow position responsive to making a determination that the forecastedwind speed is designated as a severe wind condition.
 10. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising rotating the one or more solar panels to afixed stow position responsive to making a determination that therotation of the solar panels has been limited at least a thresholdnumber of times within a given time period.
 11. The method of claim 7,wherein a peripheral set of one or more solar panels located at aperiphery of the one or more solar panels is at a steeper orientationthan the one or more solar panels.